(TERRE HAUTE) - The former West Terre Haute police chief has pleaded guilty to a federal firearms charge.

Court documents show 38-year-old Mark Arnold pleaded guilty this week to a charge of making a false statement in connection with guns. His sentencing is expected to be scheduled within 60 days.

U.S. Attorney Joe Hogsett said Friday that Arnold falsely told a firearms dealer he was buying the guns for the police department to use in official duties. Court documents indicate the purchase occurred in 2007.

A spokesman for Hogsett says the weapons were handguns. He says he doesn't know why Arnold was buying them.

A message seeking comment was left at the office of Arnold's attorney.